Valentine Glass Tile Magnets

On Wednesday, my blog-friend Jennifer over at Finding My Way In Texas got married. (Congratulations, Jennifer!) And I’m happy to report that she allowed *me* to guest blog for her that day! I put together this little tutorial on glass tile magnets – with a love theme, which was my little celebration of her big day!

Now you are probably rolling your eyes right now – I know I have done a LOT of glass tile projects in the last month. They’re just so darn addictive! But I did put this little tutorial together, and as you know, I like to share all my adventures here anytime I get home from guest posting. :) So, in case you missed it (or in case you missed any of my other fabulously informative glass tile posts recently, LOL!) I am going to show you yet another way to make use of them!

Glass Tile Magnets

Working with tiles is really popular right now – I’ve seen them turned into some gorgeous creations! But if you don’t have an old Scrabble game to re-appropriate tiles from (or you’re like me and still play your Scrabble game), there are still other mediums you can use.

I haven’t found the clear glass tiles anywhere in stores that some people are using, but I have found it’s really not necessary that they are clear – you can use other colors, too! Hobby Lobby has a great selection of mosaic tiles – and bonus – they are 30% off this week (the sale ends today, 2/4, but they do go on sale periodically so keep an eye out). Pair that with this week’s 40% off coupon, and supplies for this project are even more reasonable.

So here’s what you need:

Tiles

Magnets (I had heavy-duty rounds on-hand from another project, but the tiles aren’t very heavy. You could get away with smaller magnets than this.)

E6000 or similar permanent adhesive

Graphics for your tiles – stickers, photos, or printouts

Dimensional Glaze, like Mod Podge Dimensional Magic (optional, not pictured here. I use Annie Howe’s Glamour Glaze, but you could also use Mod Podge, or skip the finish altogether depending on what you use for your graphics.)

I opted to get the white tiles, and they don’t show up so well white-on-white (sorry, but I’m a messy crafter – I need my paper towel, LOL). But this is the package you’re looking for if you’re a Hobby Lobby shopper. It’s a package of 48, which might seem excessive, but just wait until you discover how addictive this projects is… you’ll be glad you have a lot!

I also picked up these fun Valentine stickers at my dollar store, but you could print out customized graphics on your computer, or use photos for a personal touch, too!

I needed to trim my stickers down a little – you will want your graphic to be slightly smaller than the tile, because it has rounded edges. Be sure to curve the corners slightly, also. If you are using a paper or photo graphic, you’ll want to put a coat of Mod Podge or a light coat of glue on your tile.

Since I am using a sticker, I just stuck it on.

This really feels like cheating, it’s so easy.

Now, add some E6000 to your magnets:

And stick them on the backs of your tiles.

Keep your magnets a good distance away from each other, otherwise, they will try to cling! If you happen to be away when this happens, your magnets could adhere in a very unintended way. :P

Give it a few minutes to set, then turn them over to work on the front side.

Now finishing the front is really up to your tastes. In fact, these stickers don’t necessarily need additional finishing because they are plastic – I just like the way the glaze looks. It gives the whole thing a nice shine, and domes it slightly. Besides, I already have it in my supply bin, so it’s no added cost. (You won’t find Glamour Glaze in-store – if you’re shopping, look for Mod Podge Dimensional Magic in the same aisle as your tiles. It’s also a water-based dimensional glaze and will work the same.)

If you do decide to glaze, add a little to the center, and use a toothpick to draw it out to the edges of your tile.

It will look a little cloudy at first, but it will dry clear.

Now leave them alone and do not touch them for a few hours while they dry and cure. :) (You don’t want to disturb half-dried glaze, because you won’t be able to smooth it back out… don’t ask me how I know!) But that’s it!

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I love it when you love my work!
All tutorials and photos published at Happy Hour Projects are copyrighted. If you would like to feature my tutorial on your website or share it on your social media you may use one photo to feature, as long as you provide a link back to the original post.

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I love to share my projects, and my tutorials, recipes, and e-books are ALL free for your personal use. However, photos and ideas that are published to this site are my protected intellectual property. You may print them at home, but please do not copy or distribute them. I also allow all designs to be made and sold at fundraisers, craft fairs, etc. If you are selling a piece made from one or more of my free tutorials in your online shop, I require that you use your own, original photography, and include a link back to my website to credit me as the designer.

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Comments

I love your tile projects and I'm starting to feel like I'm getting into Valentine's Day for the first time ever (well, since those paper Valentine's in grade school and that one kid whose mother would bake cupcakes) with great projects like this.

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Hello, and welcome! I'm Adrianne, an artist, author, designer, and blogger in mid Michigan. I work from home, chase my two kids, and this once-city-girl is learning how to care for chickens and adjusting to life out in the country.
I have a compulsion for daily creativity... sometimes it's jewelry-making, paper crafting, metal stamping, mixing and baking, or giving new life to recycled items. But with 2 young kids, time is short! My goal here at Happy Hour Projects is to share projects and tips that you can do in an hour or less. The ideas you find here are designed to add a little creativity in your day, no matter how much (or how little) time you have!